First Chili Cook-Off

Last weekend in Zionsville, I attended, for the first time, the annual Brick Street Chili Cookoff put on by the the local Zionsville pub, The Friendly Tavern.  This is put on annually as a fundraiser for the Zionsville Community Food Bank.  This is the first chili cook-off I have ever attended, and I have to say, what a wonderful time.  You had sweet chili, spicy chili, vegetarian chili, bean-filled chili, and sadly, tasteless chili.  I think I tasted more bad chili, then I did good chili.  So bad that I was forced to head into the pub and buy some beer to rid myself of the taste.  One chili that did catch my palate was called "Three Generation Chili."  It had was spicy, clean, and was the only chili that I really wanted to have more of right away.  It was the only chili I went back for thirds on.  The main reason I gave my first place vote to TGC was the passion of young cook making the chili.  He noticed that I had come back for seconds and thirds and as I walked away to meet up with a friend who had just arrived to enjoy the chili, he wanted to make sure that I had his vote and how important it was for him to finally breakthrough and win this competition.  I was very touched by his passion because he showed the same love for food that I share.  TGC ended up taking first place from the judges and also won the Peoples Choice Award for Best Chili.  The big prize though, is The Friendly Tavern will put the winning chili on its menu till the cook-off again next year. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my first ever chili cook-off and will try to frequent more around the state.  So if your ever in the Zionsville area, on the second weekend of October, come stop by and enjoy the chili and the festive fall atmosphere in this wonderful small town.

Thanks For Stopping By

Jackson